Speed limits could be reduced to 30kph across much of Dublin from the end of the year under new council proposals.

Draft bylaws from Dublin City Council’s transport department, seen by Newstalk.com, propose that the lower limit be imposed in residential areas, near schools and on almost all city centre roads on a phased basis.

The restriction would be enforced along most streets between the two Dublin canals, and the North and South Circular roads, under the first phase of the plan from the end of 2016.

The second phase next year would see the restriction expanding to cover suburban areas on the outskirts of the city centre, such as Phibsborough, Glasnevin, Sandymount and Drimnagh.

City centre roads excluded from the plan include Pearse Street, College Street, College Green, Nassau Street and Essex Quay.

A 80kph limit would still apply to the sections of the Chapelizod bypass, Dublin Port Tunnel and Santry bypass.

Council officials also want to keep a 60kph limit on some other main routes, including parts of the Long Mile Road, Malahide Road and Griffith Avenue.

Councillor Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party that Newstalk Breakfast that the restrictions were needed to improve road safety.

“We know from statistics that excessive speed was a factor in over 300 road deaths nationwide between 2008 and 2012,” he said.

“In Dublin city, there were almost 30 deaths on our roads in the last three years, half of which were pedestrians.”

Dublin City Council said the restrictions were devised following assessment of previous accidents and consultation with gardaí.